Bolivia: Nationwide doctors’ strike on July 12

Event

Bolivian medical doctors have called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to take place on Friday, July 12, to denounce a lack of infrastructure, specialists, and pressures due to increasing demand, particularly with the emergence of the Arenavirus disease. The strike will affect all public hospitals in the country.

Doctors are also scheduled to gather at the Miraflores Complex in La Paz at 11:00 (local time).

Associated transportation disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the gathering. Disruptions to health services, including longer wait times, are also expected.

Context

The Ministry of Health confirmed the spread of an unconfirmed disease linked to the Arenavirus strand in Bolivia. The disease is mainly spread through contact with rodents. Officials have explained that the virus can also be transmitted from human to human through contact with bodily fluids, especially blood, though also by air including coughing. The number of cases is yet to be confirmed, though one person has died and two doctors showing symptoms were admitted to hospital.

Advice

Individuals in Bolivia, and particularly La Paz, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, confirm medical appointments, and anticipate disruptions to health services.